Consistency. It isn't the easiest thing to achieve, but it is something I can really appreciate. Bearded Iris isn't the best brewer out there, but they are consistent, and they have high aspirations. Elysian is aiming for a consistency like the best of the Belgian brewers. I think they have the talent to get there. They are already lumped to the correct side of my ratings charts.
First sip is smooth for something with the hops this has, and they are pretty darn copious. The oranges and tangerines are joined by grapefruit and nectarine with the tanginess hitting at the beginning and a bitterness taking over for the end. The middle seems to present a sweetness, but it's hard to tell with a sip.
Tip-in is a very gentle presentation of grains with a spritz of orange, tangerine, and grapefruit while carbonation occasionally pokes at the tongue. The middle starts to sting with carbonation and acid while the flavors that were so smooth in the sip are now a dull echo behind the noise of the caustic mixture. The finish is tart mixed with bitter before the fruits come right on back for a soothing balm.
Bottom Line: I have mixed feelings. It's not bad, though.
2.5/5